How to lighten hair naturally (no bleach) using Apple Cider Vinegar! I tried an apple cider vinegar lightening spray on my hair for seven days (one week) to see if it would really give my hair natural highlights. Here’s how it went…

I’ve been using foods in the past to colour my hair, but it was recently suggested to me that I should try this apple cider vinegar spray to lighten my hair naturally!

Before we get started in learning how to use apple cider vinegar to lighten hair, if you like what you’re seeing, subscribe to my email newsletter at the bottom of the page to keep up to date on the latest recipes, DIYs, gardening and health tips I share!!

How to Give Hair Natural Highlights Using Apple Cider Vinegar

I used a 50:50 mix of apple cider vinegar and water, and sprayed that all over my hair, saturating as much of my hair as possible. I then combed it through to ensure no strand was left untouched.

Next, I went and sat outside in the sunshine for one to two hours – it was recommended to sit outside in the sun for a minimum of 15 minutes, but I stayed longer as it was winter at the time, and the sun wasn’t as strong – then I left the spray in my hair for around two to three hours after that.

To finish up, I rinsed my hair with warm water (no shampoo, no conditioner), and on every third day I’d give my hair a proper wash.

If you find plain apple cider vinegar, water and sunlight just aren’t enough, you can combine the apple cider vinegar spray with chamomile and/or lemon juice as they have a natural bleaching effect on hair so will help to enhance the lightening effect. For this, the spray mixture would be;

• 1/4 cup chamomile tea
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• Squeeze of lemon juice

Combine the ingredients together in a bowl or spray bottle, saturate hair, then leave it on for a minimum of three hours (or all day if you can). Going out in the sun for a minimum of 15 minutes really helps enhance the lightening process. Finally, rinse out the spray with water and dry as usual.

This lightening process works best when done over several days. It’s won’t be effective if done only once. The key is it consistency.

Alternatively, apply this apple cider vinegar spray on hair with a cotton ball or brush for strands of highlights instead of spraying it all over for an overall lightening effect.

DIY apple cider vinegar highlights tutorial

As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor before trying or using any new products. I am not a doctor. All opinions expressed are my own personal thoughts and feelings of the products mentioned. Check with your doctor or health practitioner if you are uncertain about trying out any of the products, recipes or tips mentioned in this post.

Have you used apple cider vinegar before to lighten hair? How did it go? Share in the comments below.

Lots of love,

Vanessa